UNMIK/PR/14

Press Release

22 July 1999       

PRISTINA - The United Nations International Police are recruiting candidates for the new Kosovo Police Service.

The police service will work initially under the guidance of the UNMIK International Police and will be trained in the highest standards of police work to provide safety and security for all the people of Kosovo.

Up to 3,000 officers will be trained at the Kosovo police academy that the OSCE is establishing in Vucitrn, north of Pristina. Each officer will undergo 33 weeks of training, including fieldwork with experienced UN police officers. Democratic policing lessons, dealing with human rights and law, will be an important part of the curriculum. 

The first training session is planned at the end of August. When the academy is fully operational, 500 candidates will be trained in each session.

Applicants must be residents of Kosovo, at least 20 years of age, have a secondary school education and in excellent physical condition. Candidates also must be tolerant and willing to work with people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds and committed to protecting the human rights of all people.

Men and women are encouraged to apply, as well as people from every ethnic and national background. Previous experience in police work is not necessary, but will be acknowledged. Applicants must be cleared by background checks.

Applications are available at UNIP district headquarters and KFOR offices in Mitrovica, Vucitrn, Podujevo, Gniljane, Vitina, Urosevac, Kacanik, Strbce, Prizren, Pec, Lipljane and Pristina.

The deadline for applications is 2 August at 17:00 at one of the five UNIP stations in Pristina, Mitrovica, Gniljane, Prizren and Pec. A list of candidates selected for interviews will be posted at district headquarters 5 August.